Meaning: The quote you provided is from Leslie Charteris, who was a British-American author known for creating the character Simon Templar, also known as "The Saint," in a series of novels. The quote refers to the release of the movie "Dr. No," which is the first film in the James Bond series produced by Eon Productions. This quote reflects Charteris's admission that despite the popularity of the James Bond books, he had not read any of them before the release of the first Bond movie.

Leslie Charteris was primarily known for his "The Saint" series, which featured the adventures of Simon Templar, a Robin Hood-like character who stole from criminals and often assisted the authorities in solving crimes. The character became popular through books, radio, television, and film adaptations. Charteris's success with "The Saint" series made him a prominent figure in the world of detective fiction and adventure literature.

The quote reveals Charteris's perspective on the cultural impact of the James Bond phenomenon. Ian Fleming, a former British naval intelligence officer, created the character James Bond and penned a series of spy novels featuring the iconic character. The books gained immense popularity and have been adapted into one of the most successful and enduring film franchises in cinema history.

"Dr. No" was released in 1962, marking the beginning of the James Bond film series. The movie introduced Sean Connery as James Bond and established the formula for the subsequent Bond films, featuring exotic locations, thrilling action sequences, and sophisticated espionage plots. The film's success cemented James Bond as a cultural icon and paved the way for numerous sequels and spin-offs.

Charteris's acknowledgment of not having read any of the Bond books before the release of "Dr. No" may reflect the widespread impact of the film adaptation on popular culture. The quote suggests that even an accomplished writer like Charteris, known for creating his own iconic literary character, was drawn to the cinematic portrayal of James Bond before delving into the original literary source material.

Additionally, Charteris's statement highlights the significance of film adaptations in bringing literary characters and stories to a wider audience. The success of "Dr. No" and subsequent Bond films contributed to the global recognition of Ian Fleming's espionage novels and propelled James Bond into a beloved and enduring cultural phenomenon.

In conclusion, Leslie Charteris's quote about not having read any of the Bond books before the release of "Dr. No" reflects the impact of the James Bond film series on popular culture and the enduring legacy of Ian Fleming's literary creation. The quote also underscores the influence of film adaptations in introducing iconic literary characters to a broader audience, transcending the boundaries of the original written works.